Leads, Serious Leads . . . & Tire Kickers After hosting a couple hundred (thousand?) weekend open houses, I still learn useful things about Buyers — as well as the home I’ve been hired to sell. Which is why I do ’em (vs. letting newer agents pinch hit for me). The most important insight? It’s...Read More
“He’s So Supercilious”: Compliment or Dis? Normally, when you think of the adjective “super,” you think in terms of . . . superlatives (see my point?). Examples include the Super Bowl; the Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints football team); “Super size me!” (McDonalds old slogan — used to be the food; now, all...Read More
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder Buyer When should a listing agent (representing the Seller) explicitly market that a home “needs cosmetic updates” (or the equivalent)? Less often than you might guess. Here are my three reasons why: One. The pictures tell the story. Most MLS’s allow 24 photos; websites like EdinaRealty.com effectively allow...Read More
How Citibank Handles Its Customers’ Personal Information [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” –“Romeo & Juliet”; Shakespeare Americans...Read More
2725 France Avenue Open From 2-4 p.m. Where: 2725 France Avenue South in Minneapolis, just Southwest of Cedar Lake. When: 2 – 4 p.m. this Sunday. What: Surprisingly spacious, 4 BR/3 Bath Cape Cod with over 2,600 square feet in high demand Sunset Gables neighborhood. How much: $500,000. Who: listed by Ross Kaplan, Edina Realty — City...Read More
A Win For the Luddites (or, ARE They??) What if there was a home security system that had all of the following virtues: it was simple and easy-to-use; (very) cheap; crash-proof; hack-proof; and never needed a software patch, update, or monthly subscription? (see, “very cheap”). Fortunately, there is. Give up? It’s called, “a key” (or,...Read More
